Stereolithography 3D-printed catalytically active devices in organic synthesis

Abstract

This article describes the synthesis of stereolithography (SLA) 3D-printed catalyst-impregnated devices and their evaluation in the organocatalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation of N–Me–indole with trans-β-nitrostyrene. Using a low-cost SLA 3D printer and freeware design software, different devices were designed and 3D-printed using a photopolymerizable resin containing a thiourea-based organocatalyst. The architectural control offered by the 3D-printing process allows a straightforward production of devices endowed with different shapes and surface areas, with high reproducibility. The 3D-printed organocatalytic materials promoted the formation of the desired product up to a 79% yield, although with longer reaction times compared to reactions under homogeneous conditions.